WO2020176086A1 - Lentille tympanique améliorée pour dispositif auditif à entrée de fluide réduite - Google Patents
Lentille tympanique améliorée pour dispositif auditif à entrée de fluide réduite Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- WO2020176086A1 WO2020176086A1 PCT/US2019/019877 US2019019877W WO2020176086A1 WO 2020176086 A1 WO2020176086 A1 WO 2020176086A1 US 2019019877 W US2019019877 W US 2019019877W WO 2020176086 A1 WO2020176086 A1 WO 2020176086A1
- Authority
- WO
- WIPO (PCT)
- Prior art keywords
- ingress
- reed
- membrane
- adhesive
- microactuator
- Prior art date
Links
- 239000012530 fluid Substances 0.000 title claims description 30
- 230000013707 sensory perception of sound Effects 0.000 title description 35
- 239000012528 membrane Substances 0.000 claims abstract description 291
- 235000014676 Phragmites communis Nutrition 0.000 claims abstract description 250
- 239000000853 adhesive Substances 0.000 claims abstract description 188
- 230000001070 adhesive effect Effects 0.000 claims abstract description 188
- 238000005538 encapsulation Methods 0.000 claims abstract description 56
- 239000000463 material Substances 0.000 claims description 47
- 238000000034 method Methods 0.000 claims description 28
- 229920006332 epoxy adhesive Polymers 0.000 claims description 24
- 229920001651 Cyanoacrylate Polymers 0.000 claims description 23
- MWCLLHOVUTZFKS-UHFFFAOYSA-N Methyl cyanoacrylate Chemical compound COC(=O)C(=C)C#N MWCLLHOVUTZFKS-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 claims description 23
- 229910001220 stainless steel Inorganic materials 0.000 claims description 17
- 239000010935 stainless steel Substances 0.000 claims description 17
- 229920002635 polyurethane Polymers 0.000 claims description 10
- 239000004814 polyurethane Substances 0.000 claims description 10
- CWYNVVGOOAEACU-UHFFFAOYSA-N Fe2+ Chemical compound [Fe+2] CWYNVVGOOAEACU-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 claims description 5
- BQCIDUSAKPWEOX-UHFFFAOYSA-N 1,1-Difluoroethene Chemical compound FC(F)=C BQCIDUSAKPWEOX-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 claims description 2
- HCDGVLDPFQMKDK-UHFFFAOYSA-N hexafluoropropylene Chemical group FC(F)=C(F)C(F)(F)F HCDGVLDPFQMKDK-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 claims description 2
- 229920001897 terpolymer Polymers 0.000 claims description 2
- BFKJFAAPBSQJPD-UHFFFAOYSA-N tetrafluoroethene Chemical group FC(F)=C(F)F BFKJFAAPBSQJPD-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 claims description 2
- 238000009832 plasma treatment Methods 0.000 description 12
- 229920000052 poly(p-xylylene) Polymers 0.000 description 10
- 239000010410 layer Substances 0.000 description 9
- 239000004593 Epoxy Substances 0.000 description 7
- 239000011248 coating agent Substances 0.000 description 7
- 238000000576 coating method Methods 0.000 description 7
- 125000000524 functional group Chemical group 0.000 description 7
- 210000002381 plasma Anatomy 0.000 description 7
- 239000000126 substance Substances 0.000 description 7
- 210000003454 tympanic membrane Anatomy 0.000 description 6
- 208000028659 discharge Diseases 0.000 description 5
- 210000000613 ear canal Anatomy 0.000 description 5
- 230000008859 change Effects 0.000 description 4
- 230000008569 process Effects 0.000 description 4
- VRBFTYUMFJWSJY-UHFFFAOYSA-N 28804-46-8 Chemical compound ClC1CC(C=C2)=CC=C2C(Cl)CC2=CC=C1C=C2 VRBFTYUMFJWSJY-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 3
- 210000002939 cerumen Anatomy 0.000 description 3
- 238000005260 corrosion Methods 0.000 description 3
- 230000007797 corrosion Effects 0.000 description 3
- 230000032798 delamination Effects 0.000 description 3
- -1 for example Chemical compound 0.000 description 3
- 239000011253 protective coating Substances 0.000 description 3
- 230000004044 response Effects 0.000 description 3
- 238000007789 sealing Methods 0.000 description 3
- 210000004243 sweat Anatomy 0.000 description 3
- 230000008961 swelling Effects 0.000 description 3
- 238000009736 wetting Methods 0.000 description 3
- XKRFYHLGVUSROY-UHFFFAOYSA-N Argon Chemical compound [Ar] XKRFYHLGVUSROY-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 2
- XUIMIQQOPSSXEZ-UHFFFAOYSA-N Silicon Chemical compound [Si] XUIMIQQOPSSXEZ-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 2
- 239000004830 Super Glue Substances 0.000 description 2
- 239000012790 adhesive layer Substances 0.000 description 2
- 238000013459 approach Methods 0.000 description 2
- 230000004888 barrier function Effects 0.000 description 2
- 230000008901 benefit Effects 0.000 description 2
- 210000001124 body fluid Anatomy 0.000 description 2
- FGBJXOREULPLGL-UHFFFAOYSA-N ethyl cyanoacrylate Chemical compound CCOC(=O)C(=C)C#N FGBJXOREULPLGL-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 2
- 238000010348 incorporation Methods 0.000 description 2
- 239000007788 liquid Substances 0.000 description 2
- 238000004519 manufacturing process Methods 0.000 description 2
- 230000013011 mating Effects 0.000 description 2
- 239000002480 mineral oil Substances 0.000 description 2
- 235000010446 mineral oil Nutrition 0.000 description 2
- 239000000203 mixture Substances 0.000 description 2
- 230000004048 modification Effects 0.000 description 2
- 238000012986 modification Methods 0.000 description 2
- 239000003921 oil Substances 0.000 description 2
- 239000002245 particle Substances 0.000 description 2
- 229920000139 polyethylene terephthalate Polymers 0.000 description 2
- 239000005020 polyethylene terephthalate Substances 0.000 description 2
- 239000006120 scratch resistant coating Substances 0.000 description 2
- 229910052710 silicon Inorganic materials 0.000 description 2
- 239000010703 silicon Substances 0.000 description 2
- 239000013464 silicone adhesive Substances 0.000 description 2
- 238000004381 surface treatment Methods 0.000 description 2
- 238000011282 treatment Methods 0.000 description 2
- XLYOFNOQVPJJNP-UHFFFAOYSA-N water Substances O XLYOFNOQVPJJNP-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 2
- LFQSCWFLJHTTHZ-UHFFFAOYSA-N Ethanol Chemical compound CCO LFQSCWFLJHTTHZ-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 1
- 239000004809 Teflon Substances 0.000 description 1
- 229920006362 Teflon® Polymers 0.000 description 1
- VVTSZOCINPYFDP-UHFFFAOYSA-N [O].[Ar] Chemical compound [O].[Ar] VVTSZOCINPYFDP-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 1
- 229910052786 argon Inorganic materials 0.000 description 1
- 230000000712 assembly Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000000429 assembly Methods 0.000 description 1
- QVGXLLKOCUKJST-UHFFFAOYSA-N atomic oxygen Chemical compound [O] QVGXLLKOCUKJST-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 1
- 230000005540 biological transmission Effects 0.000 description 1
- 210000004556 brain Anatomy 0.000 description 1
- 125000003178 carboxy group Chemical group [H]OC(*)=O 0.000 description 1
- 150000001735 carboxylic acids Chemical class 0.000 description 1
- 230000015556 catabolic process Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000003851 corona treatment Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000008878 coupling Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000010168 coupling process Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000005859 coupling reaction Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000006731 degradation reaction Methods 0.000 description 1
- 210000003027 ear inner Anatomy 0.000 description 1
- 210000000959 ear middle Anatomy 0.000 description 1
- 239000013536 elastomeric material Substances 0.000 description 1
- RTZKZFJDLAIYFH-UHFFFAOYSA-N ether Substances CCOCC RTZKZFJDLAIYFH-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 1
- 239000004811 fluoropolymer Substances 0.000 description 1
- 229920002313 fluoropolymer Polymers 0.000 description 1
- 239000006260 foam Substances 0.000 description 1
- 230000036541 health Effects 0.000 description 1
- 239000002654 heat shrinkable material Substances 0.000 description 1
- 125000002887 hydroxy group Chemical group [H]O* 0.000 description 1
- 230000005415 magnetization Effects 0.000 description 1
- 230000007246 mechanism Effects 0.000 description 1
- 239000001301 oxygen Substances 0.000 description 1
- 229910052760 oxygen Inorganic materials 0.000 description 1
- 239000004417 polycarbonate Substances 0.000 description 1
- 229920000515 polycarbonate Polymers 0.000 description 1
- 238000004382 potting Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000002203 pretreatment Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000001681 protective effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000012360 testing method Methods 0.000 description 1
Classifications
-
- H—ELECTRICITY
- H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
- H04R—LOUDSPEAKERS, MICROPHONES, GRAMOPHONE PICK-UPS OR LIKE ACOUSTIC ELECTROMECHANICAL TRANSDUCERS; DEAF-AID SETS; PUBLIC ADDRESS SYSTEMS
- H04R25/00—Deaf-aid sets, i.e. electro-acoustic or electro-mechanical hearing aids; Electric tinnitus maskers providing an auditory perception
- H04R25/60—Mounting or interconnection of hearing aid parts, e.g. inside tips, housings or to ossicles
- H04R25/604—Mounting or interconnection of hearing aid parts, e.g. inside tips, housings or to ossicles of acoustic or vibrational transducers
- H04R25/606—Mounting or interconnection of hearing aid parts, e.g. inside tips, housings or to ossicles of acoustic or vibrational transducers acting directly on the eardrum, the ossicles or the skull, e.g. mastoid, tooth, maxillary or mandibular bone, or mechanically stimulating the cochlea, e.g. at the oval window
-
- H—ELECTRICITY
- H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
- H04R—LOUDSPEAKERS, MICROPHONES, GRAMOPHONE PICK-UPS OR LIKE ACOUSTIC ELECTROMECHANICAL TRANSDUCERS; DEAF-AID SETS; PUBLIC ADDRESS SYSTEMS
- H04R25/00—Deaf-aid sets, i.e. electro-acoustic or electro-mechanical hearing aids; Electric tinnitus maskers providing an auditory perception
- H04R25/65—Housing parts, e.g. shells, tips or moulds, or their manufacture
- H04R25/658—Manufacture of housing parts
-
- H—ELECTRICITY
- H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
- H04R—LOUDSPEAKERS, MICROPHONES, GRAMOPHONE PICK-UPS OR LIKE ACOUSTIC ELECTROMECHANICAL TRANSDUCERS; DEAF-AID SETS; PUBLIC ADDRESS SYSTEMS
- H04R1/00—Details of transducers, loudspeakers or microphones
- H04R1/20—Arrangements for obtaining desired frequency or directional characteristics
- H04R1/22—Arrangements for obtaining desired frequency or directional characteristics for obtaining desired frequency characteristic only
- H04R1/26—Spatial arrangements of separate transducers responsive to two or more frequency ranges
- H04R1/265—Spatial arrangements of separate transducers responsive to two or more frequency ranges of microphones
-
- H—ELECTRICITY
- H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
- H04R—LOUDSPEAKERS, MICROPHONES, GRAMOPHONE PICK-UPS OR LIKE ACOUSTIC ELECTROMECHANICAL TRANSDUCERS; DEAF-AID SETS; PUBLIC ADDRESS SYSTEMS
- H04R17/00—Piezoelectric transducers; Electrostrictive transducers
-
- H—ELECTRICITY
- H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
- H04R—LOUDSPEAKERS, MICROPHONES, GRAMOPHONE PICK-UPS OR LIKE ACOUSTIC ELECTROMECHANICAL TRANSDUCERS; DEAF-AID SETS; PUBLIC ADDRESS SYSTEMS
- H04R25/00—Deaf-aid sets, i.e. electro-acoustic or electro-mechanical hearing aids; Electric tinnitus maskers providing an auditory perception
- H04R25/40—Arrangements for obtaining a desired directivity characteristic
- H04R25/407—Circuits for combining signals of a plurality of transducers
-
- H—ELECTRICITY
- H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
- H04R—LOUDSPEAKERS, MICROPHONES, GRAMOPHONE PICK-UPS OR LIKE ACOUSTIC ELECTROMECHANICAL TRANSDUCERS; DEAF-AID SETS; PUBLIC ADDRESS SYSTEMS
- H04R2225/00—Details of deaf aids covered by H04R25/00, not provided for in any of its subgroups
- H04R2225/021—Behind the ear [BTE] hearing aids
- H04R2225/0216—BTE hearing aids having a receiver in the ear mould
-
- H—ELECTRICITY
- H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
- H04R—LOUDSPEAKERS, MICROPHONES, GRAMOPHONE PICK-UPS OR LIKE ACOUSTIC ELECTROMECHANICAL TRANSDUCERS; DEAF-AID SETS; PUBLIC ADDRESS SYSTEMS
- H04R2225/00—Details of deaf aids covered by H04R25/00, not provided for in any of its subgroups
- H04R2225/43—Signal processing in hearing aids to enhance the speech intelligibility
-
- H—ELECTRICITY
- H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
- H04R—LOUDSPEAKERS, MICROPHONES, GRAMOPHONE PICK-UPS OR LIKE ACOUSTIC ELECTROMECHANICAL TRANSDUCERS; DEAF-AID SETS; PUBLIC ADDRESS SYSTEMS
- H04R2225/00—Details of deaf aids covered by H04R25/00, not provided for in any of its subgroups
- H04R2225/57—Aspects of electrical interconnection between hearing aid parts
-
- H—ELECTRICITY
- H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
- H04R—LOUDSPEAKERS, MICROPHONES, GRAMOPHONE PICK-UPS OR LIKE ACOUSTIC ELECTROMECHANICAL TRANSDUCERS; DEAF-AID SETS; PUBLIC ADDRESS SYSTEMS
- H04R2225/00—Details of deaf aids covered by H04R25/00, not provided for in any of its subgroups
- H04R2225/77—Design aspects, e.g. CAD, of hearing aid tips, moulds or housings
-
- H—ELECTRICITY
- H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
- H04R—LOUDSPEAKERS, MICROPHONES, GRAMOPHONE PICK-UPS OR LIKE ACOUSTIC ELECTROMECHANICAL TRANSDUCERS; DEAF-AID SETS; PUBLIC ADDRESS SYSTEMS
- H04R2460/00—Details of hearing devices, i.e. of ear- or headphones covered by H04R1/10 or H04R5/033 but not provided for in any of their subgroups, or of hearing aids covered by H04R25/00 but not provided for in any of its subgroups
- H04R2460/01—Hearing devices using active noise cancellation
-
- H—ELECTRICITY
- H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
- H04R—LOUDSPEAKERS, MICROPHONES, GRAMOPHONE PICK-UPS OR LIKE ACOUSTIC ELECTROMECHANICAL TRANSDUCERS; DEAF-AID SETS; PUBLIC ADDRESS SYSTEMS
- H04R2460/00—Details of hearing devices, i.e. of ear- or headphones covered by H04R1/10 or H04R5/033 but not provided for in any of their subgroups, or of hearing aids covered by H04R25/00 but not provided for in any of its subgroups
- H04R2460/13—Hearing devices using bone conduction transducers
Definitions
- the microactuator may include one or more ingress membranes intended to prevent fluid from getting into the microactuator (i.e., to prevent fluid ingress). Such ingress membranes may be subject to failure modes, including delamination or tearing, which may result in fluid ingress. In certain circumstances, fluid in the microactuator may cause the microactuator to fail or the output of the microactuator to decrease.
- Delamination of the ingress membrane is most likely to occur at bonding joints and may be caused by swelling of the ingress membrane material (which may be, for example, ESTANE 58300) or by swelling of the adhesive (which may be, for example, UV15X-6MED-2) used to affix the ingress membrane material to the microactuator in the presence of fluids.
- the ingress membrane In contact hearing devices which are placed in the ear canal of a user, the ingress membrane may be exposed to any one of a number of bodily fluids (including cerumen and sweat) and/or fluids introduced into the ear canal by the user or health care professional (including water, alcohol, and mineral oil).
- the bonding joints may include joints at the interface between the ingress membrane and the body of the microactuator and at the interface between the ingress membrane and the output reed.
- Potential benefits to improved adhesion at the microactuator- ingress membrane interface and the ingress membrane-reed interface may include more a stable output, a more stable Maximum Effective Power Output (MEPO), reduced sound variability, reduced need for manufacturing remakes and reduced returns for credit.
- MEPO Maximum Effective Power Output
- delamination of the ingress membrane at an adhesive j oint is a mechanism of failure which may result in fluid getting into the interior of the microactuator.
- the ingress membrane material may swell, causing the adhesive joints to break.
- a 20% or greater change in the volume of the ingress membrane material may break bonds between the adhesive and the ingress membrane.
- the performance of the contact hearing aid may include intermittent output, reduced output and/or reduced MEPO.
- the contact hearing aid may fail entirely and provide no output.
- an ingress membrane bond there are two key areas at which an ingress membrane bond can fail, including around the attachment point to the microactuator, which may be a stainless steel ring, and at the attachment point to the microactuator reed. Observations have shown that approximately 58% of failures occur at the ring, 6% at reed, and 21% occur at both the ring and the reed. The ingress membrane itself can also fail in approximately 15% of cases. In earlier designs, this issue was addressed by bonding a thin polyurethane ingress membrane (Estane 58300 available from Lubrizol) with an epoxy -based adhesive (UV-15X, available from Masterbond). However, testing in real world and simulated ear environment (containing artificial sweat, artificial cerumen, and mineral oil) has shown that this bond has poor durability.
- the adhesion of the microactuator ingress membrane to the microactuator and the microactuator reed may be improved by using the apparatuses and methods described herein.
- the ingress membrane may be formed of polyurethane or polyetherurethane, for example, Estane 58300.
- the ingress membrane may be attached to the microactuator at a stainless steel support member using an epoxy adhesive such as UV15X-6MED-2.
- an epoxy adhesive such as UV15X-6MED-2.
- OG-116 was used as both the binding adhesive between the ingress membrane and the ingress membrane mounting adhesive.
- Figure l is a top perspective view of a contact hearing device according to the present invention.
- Figure 2 is a bottom perspective view of a contact hearing device according to the present invention.
- Figure 3 is a top perspective view of a motor assembly for a contact hearing device according to the present invention.
- Figure 4 is a side view of the distal end of a motor assembly for a contact hearing device according to the present invention
- Figure 5 is an end view of a partially assembled microactuator for a contact hearing device according to the present invention.
- Figure 6 is a perspective view of the distal end of a partially assembled microactuator for a contact hearing device according to the present invention.
- Figure 7 is an exploded perspective view of a microactuator for a contact hearing device according to the present invention.
- Figure 8 is a perspective view of an adhesive ring according to the present invention.
- Figure 9 is a cutaway end view of the adhesive ring of Figure 8 viewed along cutaway A-A.
- the present invention is directed to an ingress membrane for use in sealing the open end of a balanced armature microactuator used in a lens mounted on the eardrum of a user.
- the ideal ingress membrane would not swell, would bond easily to the microactuator, and would not become delaminated following exposure to oil, water, cerumen, or other fluids commonly found in the ear.
- the ideal ingress membrane would not interfere with the frequency response of the balanced armature microactuator.
- the ingress membrane may be attached to the microactuator by at least two connection points, in one example, the first connection point may be a stainless steel support member at an open end of the microactuator and the second connection point may be a point on the microactuator reed.
- FIG. 1 is a top perspective view of a contact hearing device 100, which may also be referred to as a tympanic lens, according to the present invention.
- Figure 2 is a bottom perspective view of a contact hearing device 100 according to the present invention.
- a perimeter platform 155 is mounted on a chassis 170.
- Perimeter platform 155 may include a sulcus platform 150 at one end of perimeter platform 155.
- Chassis 170 may further include bias springs 180 (which may also be referred to as torsion springs) mounted thereon and supporting microactuator 140.
- Microactuator 140 is connected to drive post 200, which is connected to umbo lens 220 by adhesive 210.
- Chassis 170 further supports grasping tab 190 and photodetector 130.
- signals may be transmitted to contact hearing device 100 by, for example, light, magnetic coupling or radio frequency transmission.
- element 130 may be a receiving coil or an antenna.
- FIG. 3 is a top perspective view of a motor assembly 110 for a contact hearing device according to the present invention.
- Motor assembly 110 includes bias springs 180 which are connected to microactuator 140 and chassis 170 by hypo-tubes 182.
- bias springs 180 include damper 185.
- Motor assembly 110 may further include photodetector 130, which is electrically connected to microactuator 140 by photodetector wires 186 and microactuator wires 184.
- Microactuator 140 may be protected by a potting material 194.
- Motor assembly 110 may further include grasping tab 190, drive post 200, and ingress membrane 240.
- Figure 4 is a side view of the distal end of a motor assembly 110 for a contact hearing device according to the present invention.
- Figure 4 is a side view of a distal end of motor assembly 110 including microactuator 140 and umbo platform 160 according to the present invention.
- Microactuator 140 includes ingress membrane 240 and reed tip 230, which is positioned at the distal end of microactuator reed 350.
- Umbo platform 160 which is attached to microactuator 140, includes drive post 200, adhesive 210 and umbo lens 220.
- Umbo platform 160 is attached to microactuator reed 350 at a proximal end of drive post 200.
- Figure 5 is an end view of a partially assembled microactuator 140 for a contact hearing device according to the present invention.
- microactuator 140 includes end ring 188, magnets 138, and microactuator reed 120.
- End ring 188 includes ingress membrane mounting surface 126.
- the partially assembled microactuator 140 illustrated in Figure 5 does not include ingress membrane 240.
- Figure 6 is a perspective view of the distal end of a partially assembled microactuator 140 for a contact hearing device according to the present invention.
- Figure 6 is a perspective view of the distal end of a partially assembled microactuator 140 for a contact hearing device according to the present invention.
- microactuator 140 includes encapsulation shield 128, ingress membrane 240, microactuator reed 120, and magnets 138.
- Ingress membrane 240 includes ingress membrane mounting ring 124.
- Encapsulation shield 128 includes encapsulation lip which, in some embodiments, extends over a portion of ingress membrane mounting ring 124.
- Encapsulation shield 128 includes encapsulation lip which, in some embodiments, extends over all of ingress membrane mounting ring 124.
- FIG. 7 is an exploded perspective view of a microactuator for a contact hearing device according to the present invention.
- microactuator 140 includes hypo-tubes 182, end ring 188, microactuator reed 120, and ingress membrane 240.
- End ring 188 includes ingress membrane mounting surface 126.
- Ingress membrane 240 includes ingress membrane mounting ring 124 and reed slot 192.
- Ingress membrane 240 is affixed to end ring 188 by ingress membrane mounting ring adhesive 122, which is positioned on ingress membrane mounting surface 126 of end ring 188 and on the proximal side of ingress membrane mounting ring 124.
- Encapsulation shield 128 encapsulates the outer edge 202 of ingress membrane mounting ring 124, the outer edge 204 of ingress membrane mounting ring adhesive 122, and the outer edge 206 of ingress membrane mounting surface 126.
- encapsulation lip 136 extends over at least a portion of ingress membrane mounting ring 124.
- Reed 120 extends through reed slot 192 in ingress membrane 240 and is affixed to reed slot 192 by at least a first reed adhesive 132, which acts as a binding adhesive.
- a second reed adhesive 134 may also be used at the ingress membrane 240 to microactuator reed 120 interface.
- the second reed adhesive 134 may act as a protective adhesive or an encapsulation shield.
- Figure 8 is a perspective view of encapsulation shield 128 according to the present invention.
- Figure 9 is a cutaway end view of adhesive shield 128 of Figure 11 viewed along cutaway A-A.
- Encapsulation shield 128 may include encapsulation lip 136.
- the present invention is directed to an ingress membrane for use in sealing the open end of a balanced armature microactuator used in a hearing aid lens mounted on the eardrum of a user.
- the ingress membrane may include an ingress membrane mounting ring including an outer edge.
- the interface between the outer edge of the membrane mounting ring and the outer edge of the mounting surface may be covered by an encapsulation shield, which may extend onto the ingress membrane mounting ring and the end ring.
- the encapsulation shield may be made from a flexible cyanoacrylate such as, for example, Loctite 4861.
- the ingress membrane may further be attached to the microactuator reed using a binding adhesive layer and, in some embodiments, an
- the binding adhesive layer may be, for example, UV15X-6MED-2 and the encapsulation shield may be, for example, Loctite 4861.
- the encapsulation shield is positioned to encapsulate the junction between the outer edge of the ingress membrane, the outer edge of the ingress membrane mounting ring adhesive and the outer edge of the ingress membrane mounting surface.
- the encapsulation shield is positioned to shield that junction and prevent fluids from reaching that junction, thus preventing fluid ingress into the microactuator.
- the second reed adhesive is positioned to cover at least a portion of the first reed adhesive, including the junction between the first reed adhesive and the microactuator reed.
- the second reed adhesive is positioned to cover at least a portion of the first reed adhesive, including the junction between the first reed adhesive and the ingress membrane. In embodiments of the invention, the second reed adhesive is positioned to cover both the junction between the first reed adhesive and the microactuator reed and the junction between the first reed adhesive and the ingress membrane. In embodiments of the invention, the second reed adhesive is positioned to prevent fluid ingress through the junction between the first reed adhesive and the microactuator reed. In embodiments of the invention, the second reed adhesive is positioned to prevent fluid ingress between the first reed adhesive and the ingress membrane. In embodiments of the invention, the second reed adhesive is positioned to prevent fluid ingress between both first reed adhesive junctions.
- the stainless steel ring provides a platform for attaching the ingress membrane.
- the ingress membrane acts as a barrier to prevent liquid and/or particle ingress.
- the reed may be a very thin material which bends easily.
- the ingress membrane may be designed as a bellows to minimize its stiffness and the impact connecting it to the reed has on reed motion.
- the microactuator which may be coated in a protective coating of, for example, parylene
- the ingress membrane may be subjected to a plasma treatment prior to attaching the ingress membrane to the microactuator.
- the purpose of the plasma treatment is to wet the surfaces (to allow the adhesive to flow more freely) and to create chemical functional groups on the surface of the parylene and ingress membrane (to strengthen the bond between the adhesive and the parylene / ingress membrane).
- key characteristics of materials suitable for use as an ingress membrane include: a low modulus (low enough to not add stiffness to the reed / low enough to allow the reed to move freely); a thin cross section (for example, a cross section between 10 and 11 microns thick); resistance to swelling in in fluids, including bodily fluids (e.g., sweat) and fluids inserted into the ear canal by a user (e.g., oil); and biocompatibility with the environment of the ear canal.
- a low modulus low enough to not add stiffness to the reed / low enough to allow the reed to move freely
- a thin cross section for example, a cross section between 10 and 11 microns thick
- resistance to swelling in in fluids including bodily fluids (e.g., sweat) and fluids inserted into the ear canal by a user (e.g., oil); and biocompatibility with the environment of the ear canal.
- the ingress membrane may be an elastomeric material, a polyurethane material, a polyetherurethane material (such as Estane 58300), a fluoropolymer (such as THY - a terpolymer of tetrafluoroethylene, hexafluoropropylene and vinylidene fluoride), a co-polyester-ether (such as Ecdel), a polycarbonateurethan silicon blend (such as ChronoSil).
- a polyurethane material such as Estane 58300
- a fluoropolymer such as THY - a terpolymer of tetrafluoroethylene, hexafluoropropylene and vinylidene fluoride
- a co-polyester-ether such as Ecdel
- a polycarbonateurethan silicon blend such as ChronoSil
- second reed adhesive 134 may be a flexible cyanoacrylate adhesive. In embodiments of the invention, second reed adhesive 134 may be Loctite 4861. In embodiments of the invention, second reed adhesive 134 may be a flexible epoxy or flexible silicone adhesive. In embodiments of the invention, second reed adhesive 134 may have one or more of the following characteristics: a relatively low durometer, e.g. 95A on the Shore scale or less; a durometer which is higher than the durometer of the ingress membrane material; a durometer which is within ten percent of the durometer of the ingress membrane material; or a viscosity of between approximately 3000 and 5500 centipoise.
- a relatively low durometer e.g. 95A on the Shore scale or less
- a durometer which is higher than the durometer of the ingress membrane material a durometer which is within ten percent of the durometer of the ingress membrane material
- first reed adhesive 132 may be an epoxy adhesive.
- first reed adhesive 132 may be UV15X-6MED-2. In embodiments of the invention, first reed adhesive 132 may be a cyanoacrylate such as Loctite 4861.
- encapsulation shield 128 may be a flexible cyanoacrylate adhesive. In embodiments of the invention, encapsulation shield 128 may be Loctite 4861. In embodiments of the invention, encapsulation shield 128 may be a flexible epoxy or flexible silicone adhesive. In embodiments of the invention, encapsulation shield 128 may have the following characteristics: a relatively low durometer, e.g., 95A on the Shore scale or less; a durometer which is higher than the durometer of the ingress membrane material; a durometer which is within ten percent of the durometer of the ingress membrane material; or a viscosity of between approximately 3000 and 5500 centipoise.
- membrane mounting ring adhesive 122 may be an epoxy adhesive. In embodiments of the invention, membrane mounting ring adhesive 122 may be UV15X-6MED-2. In embodiments of the invention, membrane mounting ring adhesive may be a cyanoacrylate such as Loctite 4861. In embodiments of the invention, membrane mounting ring adhesive 122 may be UV curable.
- the adhesive used for bonding the ingress membrane to the reed is Loctite 4861. Pretreatment of the ingress membrane to reed interface with a corona discharge is not required.
- One drawback in using materials such as Estane 58300, ChronoSil, and THV as an ingress membrane is the difficulty bonding these materials to, for example, the stainless steel ring and/or the reed of the microactuator.
- the bonding characteristics of the ingress membrane may be improved by using plasma to create active sites on the surface of the ingress membrane.
- the ingress membrane is plasma treated before it is attached to the microactuator. Covalent bonding between the ingress membrane and the adhesive is a result of the creation of chemical functional groups through plasma treatments.
- the microactuator which, in some embodiments, is coated in a protective coating of parylene
- the ingress membrane may be subjected to a plasma treatment prior to being combined.
- the purpose of the plasma treatment is to wet the mating surfaces. Wetting of the mating surfaces is designed to allow the ingress membrane adhesive, e.g., epoxy, to flow more freely and to create chemical functional groups on the surface of the parylene coating material and the surface of the ingress membrane.
- wetting may be accomplished using an oxygen/argon plasma, but other plasmas can also be used.
- the ingress membrane may be attached to the microactuator without a wetting treatment.
- the ingress membrane may be treated using processes to enhance its ability to bond with adhesives.
- the ingress membrane may be treated using plasma.
- plasma treatment of ingress membranes will result in the incorporation of chemical functional groups such as hydroxyls (-OH) and carboxylic acids (-COOH) that bond well to epoxy adhesives such as (OG116-31).
- plasma treatment of Chronosil will result in the incorporation of similar chemical functional groups and therefore should improve the bond strength between ChronoSil and parylene.
- the plasma treatment uses an oxygen-argon plasma.
- the treatment time in the plasma may be approximately five minutes.
- the plasma treatment may include placing the ingress membrane into a vacuum set point of approximately 274.6 mTorr.
- one or both the ingress membrane and the coating (e.g., Parylene-C) of the microactuator body may be subject to surface treatments.
- the invention is directed to a method of preventing fluid ingress into a microactuator, wherein an ingress membrane, including a mounting ring and an ingress membrane reed opening is affixed to an open end of the microactuator, wherein a microactuator reed extends through the ingress membrane reed opening, the method including the steps of: affixing the ingress membrane to an ingress membrane mounting surface at the open end of the microactuator using an ingress membrane mounting ring adhesive positioned on the ingress mounting surface, wherein the ingress mounting ring adhesive comprises an epoxy adhesive; encapsulating an interface between the ingress membrane and the ingress membrane mounting ring adhesive in an encapsulation shield, the encapsulation shield being a flexible adhesive, the encapsulation shield comprising a cyanoacrylate; affixing the microactuator reed to the ingress membrane at the ingress membrane reed opening using a first reed adhesive, which may be an epoxy
- the second reed adhesive covering the interface between the first reed adhesive and the ingress membrane and the second reed adhesive covering the interface between the first reed adhesive and the reed, the second reed adhesive comprising a flexible material, the second reed adhesive comprising a cyanoacrylate.
- Embodiments of the invention are directed to a microactuator including: an outer shell, the outer shell including a microactuator reed opening at a distal end thereof, the outer shell being constructed of a ferrous material; a microactuator reed extending an interior of the outer shell though the microactuator reed opening; an ingress membrane mounting surface connected to the outer shell and surrounding the reed opening; an end ring positioned on the microactuator at a distal end of the outer shell, the end ring comprising stainless steel, the end ring including an ingress membrane mount surface at a distal end thereof; an ingress membrane mounting ring adhesive positioned on the ingress membrane mounting surface, wherein the ingress membrane mounting ring adhesive comprises an epoxy adhesive; an ingress membrane, including a mounting ring and a central section, wherein the mounting ring surrounds the central portion, the ingress membrane comprising polyurethane, the ingress membrane comprising polyetherurethane, the mounting ring being positioned on the ingress membrane mounting
- the present invention is directed to an ingress membrane for use in sealing the open end of a balanced armature microactuator used in a hearing aid lens mounted on the eardrum of a user.
- the ingress membrane may be formed of ChronoSil (a polycarbonate / silicon blend) and may be attached to the microactuator using an OG116-31 epoxy.
- the ingress membrane may be attached to the microactuator at a stainless steel support member and at the microactuator reed.
- the microactuator which may be coated in a protective coating of, for example, parylene
- the ingress membrane may be subjected to a plasma treatment prior to attaching the ingress membrane to the microactuator.
- the purpose of the plasma treatment is to wet the surfaces (to allow the epoxy to flow more freely) and to create chemical functional groups on the surface of the parylene and ingress membrane (to strengthen the bond between the epoxy and the parylene / ingress membrane).
- the stainless steel ring provides a platform for attaching the ingress membrane.
- the ingress membrane acts as a barrier to prevent liquid and/or particle ingress.
- the reed may be a very thin material which bends easily.
- the ingress membrane may be designed as a bellows to minimize its stiffness and the impact connecting it to the reed has on reed motion.
- the microactuator ingress membrane (made of, for example, a polyurethane (Estane 58300) may be bonded to the microactuator body using UV15X-6Med-2. Bonding of the ingress membrane may be followed by a corona discharge treatment of the parylene-C coated microactuator surface. After which a layer of Loctite 4011 may be applied to the ingress membrane and microactuator body at the ring interface.
- Loctite 4011 is applied down the body approximately 0.5 mm with a Foam Tip Swab and Fine Tip Spatula.
- it is desirable to limit the amount of adhesive applied to the ring and/or to the reed as an excess of an adhesive at either the ring or the reed has the potential to result in: Interference with assembly components downstream in the process; preventing execution of the final tympanic lens assembly; added weight to the assembly (in embodiments of the invention it is desirable to keep the moving mass of the contact hearing device to less than approximately 120 mg); undesirable modification of the hearing aid response; and distortion.
- other adhesives, ingress membrane materials, and surface treatments may be considered.
- the Estane 58300 + UV15X-6Med-2 bond may be reworked by applying an additional thin layer of UV15X-6Med-2, omitting the OG116-31, and then applying a layer of Loctite 7701 and Loctite 4011.
- the Estane 58300 + UV15X-6Med-2 bond may be reworked by directly applying a layer of Loctite 7701 and 4011, which saves manufacturing time.
- the Estane 58300 + UV15X-6Med-2 bond may be reworked by applying corona discharge followed by OG116-31, with coverage of approximately 0.5 mm onto the microactuator body, as well as coverage over the top of the stainless steel ring, but not extending onto the ingress membrane which is in the interior of the ring.
- the Estane 58300 + UV15X-6Med-2 bond may be reworked by applying corona discharge followed by Loctite 4011 at the ring, with coverage of approximately 0.5 mm onto the microactuator body, as well as coverage over the top of the stainless steel ring, but not extending onto the ingress membrane which is in the interior of the ring.
- the microactuator ingress membrane-to-reed interface may be bonded using Loctite 4861.
- the Estane 58300 + UV15X-6Med-2 bond may be reworked by applying corona discharge followed by Loctite 4861 at the ring, with coverage of approximately 0.5 mm onto the microactuator body, as well as coverage over the top of the stainless steel ring, but not extending onto the ingress membrane which is in the interior of the ring.
- the microactuator ingress membrane-to-reed interface may be bonded using Loctite 4861.
- the Estane 58300 ingress membrane may be secured against fluid ingress by applying a thin, heat-shrinkable tubing such as polyethylene terephthalate (PET) or Teflon, or other heat- shrinkable materials.
- PET polyethylene terephthalate
- any of the above approaches may also be applied to the bond at the interface between the microactuator reed, as well as near the ring, since the reed-ingress membrane interface represents a weak point for fluid ingress.
- the Estane 58300 ingress membrane may be secured against fluid ingress at the reed by applying a ring of material around the reed, similar to an o-ring, and then bonding the ingress membrane to that ring.
- any of the above approaches may also be applied to the bond at the interface between the microactuator reed, as well as near the ring, since the reed-ingress membrane interface represents a weak point for fluid ingress.
- microactuator and adhesive build-up does not exceed 3.29 ⁇ 0.01 mm and the height of the microactuator and adhesive build-up does not exceed 1.79 ⁇ 0.01 mm.
- Loctite 4011 layer needs to cover at least a portion of the ingress membrane on top of the stainless steel ring, it should not cover any of the ingress membrane on the interior of the ring. This is to prevent a change in ingress membrane stiffness which could cause a change in the output response of the microactuator.
- Embodiments of the present invention are directed to a method of preventing fluid ingress into a microactuator, wherein an ingress membrane, including a mounting ring and an ingress membrane reed opening, is affixed to an open end of the microactuator and a microactuator reed extends through the ingress membrane reed opening.
- the method including the steps of: affixing the ingress membrane to an ingress membrane mounting surface at the open end of the microactuator using an ingress membrane mounting ring adhesive positioned on the ingress membrane mounting surface; encapsulating an interface between the ingress membrane and the ingress membrane mounting ring adhesive in an encapsulation shield; affixing the microactuator reed to the ingress membrane at the ingress membrane reed opening using a first reed adhesive; covering the first reed adhesive with a second reed adhesive, the second reed adhesive: covering an interface between the first reed adhesive and the ingress membrane; and covering an interface between the first reed adhesive and the reed.
- the ingress mounting ring adhesive includes an epoxy adhesive.
- the ingress mounting ring adhesive includes an epoxy adhesive.
- the encapsulation shield includes a flexible adhesive. In embodiments of the invention, the encapsulation shield includes a cyanoacrylate. In embodiments of the invention, the first reed adhesive includes an epoxy adhesive. In embodiments of the invention, the second reed adhesive includes a flexible material. In embodiments of the invention, the second reed adhesive includes a cyanoacrylate.
- Embodiments of the present invention are directed to a method of preventing fluid ingress into a microactuator wherein an ingress membrane, the ingress membrane including a mounting ring and an ingress membrane reed opening, is affixed to an open end of the microactuator, a microactuator reed extending through the ingress membrane reed opening.
- the method includes the steps of: affixing the ingress membrane to an ingress membrane mounting surface at the open end of the microactuator using an ingress membrane mounting ring adhesive positioned on the ingress mounting surface, wherein the ingress mounting ring adhesive includes an epoxy adhesive; encapsulating an interface between the ingress membrane and the ingress membrane mounting ring adhesive in an encapsulation shield, the encapsulation shield including a flexible adhesive including a cyanoacrylate; affixing the microactuator reed to the ingress membrane at the ingress membrane reed opening using a first reed adhesive, wherein the first reed adhesive includes an epoxy adhesive; covering the first reed adhesive with a second reed adhesive, the second reed adhesive including a flexible material including a cyanoacrylate, the second reed adhesive: covering an interface between the first reed adhesive and the ingress membrane; and covering an interface between the first reed adhesive and the reed.
- Embodiments of the present invention are directed to a process for installing an ingress membrane having a first opening and a second opening on a microactuator wherein the microactuator includes a body having a closed end, an open end, a stainless steel ring attached to the body at the open end and an output reed.
- the ring surrounds the open end and the output reed extends from the open end of the
- the process including the steps of: coating the microactuator body with a corrosion resistant coating, wherein the corrosion resistant coating includes Parylene C; positioning the ingress membrane on the microactuator such that the first opening contacts the ring and the reed extends through the second opening; bonding the ingress membrane to the ring, wherein the bonding material includes UV15X-6Med-2 (from Masterbond), the bonding material being positioned between the ingress membrane and the ring; applying a layer of encapsulating material including Loctite 4011 to the ingress membrane, the layer of encapsulating material being applied over the ingress membrane at the point where the ingress membrane is affixed to the microactuator surface; bonding the ingress membrane to the output reed, wherein the bonding material includes UV15X-6Med-2, the bonding material being positioned between the ingress membrane and the output reed; applying a layer of encapsulating material including Loctite 4011 to the ingress membrane, the layer of
- Embodiments of the present invention are directed to a microactuator including: an outer shell, the outer shell including a microactuator reed opening at a distal end thereof; a microactuator reed extending from an interior of the outer shell though the microactuator reed opening; an ingress membrane mounting surface connected to the outer shell and surrounding the microactuator reed opening; an ingress membrane mounting ring adhesive positioned on the ingress membrane mounting surface; an ingress membrane, the ingress membrane including a mounting ring and a central section, wherein the mounting ring surrounds the central section, the mounting ring being positioned on the ingress membrane mounting ring adhesive; an ingress membrane reed opening in the central portion of the ingress membrane, wherein the microactuator reed extends through the ingress membrane reed opening; an encapsulation shield, the encapsulation shield extending over the ingress membrane mounting ring; a first reed adhesive connecting the ingress membrane to the microactuator ree
- the outer shell is constructed of a ferrous material.
- an end ring is positioned on the microactuator at a distal end of the outer shell, the end ring: including stainless steel; and including the ingress membrane mounting surface at a distal end thereof.
- the ingress membrane mounting ring adhesive includes an epoxy adhesive.
- the ingress membrane includes a polyurethane.
- the ingress membrane includes a polyetherurethane.
- the microactuator is mounted on the support band.
- the encapsulation shield includes a flexible material.
- the encapsulation shield includes a cyanoacrylate.
- the first reed adhesive includes an epoxy adhesive.
- the second reed adhesive extends from the ingress membrane to the microactuator reed.
- the second reed adhesive includes a flexible material.
- the second reed adhesive includes a cyanoacrylate.
- Embodiments of the present invention are directed to a microactuator including: an outer shell, the outer shell including a microactuator reed opening at a distal end thereof, the outer shell being constructed of a ferrous material; a microactuator reed extending from an interior of the outer shell though the microactuator reed opening; an ingress membrane mounting surface connected to the outer shell and surrounding the microactuator reed opening; an end ring positioned on the microactuator at a distal end of the outer shell, the end ring including stainless steel, the end ring including the ingress membrane mounting surface at a distal end thereof; an ingress membrane mounting ring adhesive positioned on the ingress membrane mounting surface, wherein the ingress membrane mounting ring adhesive includes an epoxy adhesive; an ingress membrane, including a mounting ring and a central section, wherein the mounting ring surrounds the central section, the ingress membrane including either polyurethane, or polyetherurethane, the mounting ring being positioned on the ingress membrane mounting
- Embodiments of the present invention are directed to a microactuator, the
- microactuator including: a body having a first and second ends, wherein the first end is closed and the second end is open; an output reed extending from the second end of the body; a ring surrounding the second end of the body; an ingress membrane having a first opening and a second opening, wherein the first opening is connected to the body at the ring and the output reed extends through the second opening; a first adhesive disposed between the first opening and the ring such that the first opening is affixed to the body at the ring; a second adhesive disposed between the second opening and the output reed such that the second opening is affixed to the output reed; a first shield encapsulating the first adhesive to ring junction to form a first encapsulated junction; a second shield encapsulating the second adhesive to output reed junction.
- the first encapsulated junction is impermeable to fluid ingress.
- the second encapsulated junction is impermeable to fluid ingress.
- the body is coated with a scratch resistant coating.
- the scratch resistant coating is treated with a plasma treatment.
- a contact hearing device may be a tiny actuator connected to a customized ring-shaped support platform that floats on the ear canal around the eardrum, where the actuator directly vibrates the eardrum causing energy to be transmitted through the middle and inner ears to stimulate the brain and produce the perception of sound.
- the contact hearing device may comprise a photodetector, a microactuator connected to the photodetector and a support structure supporting the photodetector and microactuator.
- the contact hearing device may comprise an antenna, a microactuator connected to the antenna and a support structure supporting the antenna and microactuator.
- the contact hearing device may comprise a coil, a microactuator connected to the coil and a support structure supporting the coil and microactuator.
- the contact hearing device may also be referred to as a Tympanic Contact Actuator (TCA), a Tympanic Lens, a Tympanic Membrane Transducer (TMT), a smart lens.
Landscapes
- Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
- Otolaryngology (AREA)
- Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
- Acoustics & Sound (AREA)
- Signal Processing (AREA)
- General Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
- Neurosurgery (AREA)
- Manufacturing & Machinery (AREA)
- Separation Using Semi-Permeable Membranes (AREA)
- Particle Formation And Scattering Control In Inkjet Printers (AREA)
Abstract
Des modes de réalisation de l'invention concernent un micro-actionneur comprenant l'utilisation (i) d'un adhésif annulaire de montage de membrane d'entrée positionné sur une surface de montage de membrane d'entrée pour monter une membrane d'entrée et (ii) un écran d'encapsulation souple monté sur une bague de support et s'étendant sur l'anneau de montage de membrane d'entrée et (iii) une première anche adhésive reliant la membrane d'entrée à une anche de micro-actionneur au niveau d'une ouverture d'anche de membrane d'entrée et (iv) une seconde anche adhésive positionnée sur et recouvrant la première anche adhésive, la seconde anche adhésive s'étendant de la membrane d'entrée à la anche de micro-actionneur.
Priority Applications (2)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
PCT/US2019/019877 WO2020176086A1 (fr) | 2019-02-27 | 2019-02-27 | Lentille tympanique améliorée pour dispositif auditif à entrée de fluide réduite |
US17/412,850 US11750988B2 (en) | 2019-02-27 | 2021-08-26 | Tympanic lens for hearing device with reduced fluid ingress |
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
PCT/US2019/019877 WO2020176086A1 (fr) | 2019-02-27 | 2019-02-27 | Lentille tympanique améliorée pour dispositif auditif à entrée de fluide réduite |
Related Child Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
US17/412,850 Continuation US11750988B2 (en) | 2019-02-27 | 2021-08-26 | Tympanic lens for hearing device with reduced fluid ingress |
Publications (1)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
---|---|
WO2020176086A1 true WO2020176086A1 (fr) | 2020-09-03 |
Family
ID=72239633
Family Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
PCT/US2019/019877 WO2020176086A1 (fr) | 2019-02-27 | 2019-02-27 | Lentille tympanique améliorée pour dispositif auditif à entrée de fluide réduite |
Country Status (2)
Country | Link |
---|---|
US (1) | US11750988B2 (fr) |
WO (1) | WO2020176086A1 (fr) |
Cited By (15)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US10863286B2 (en) | 2007-10-12 | 2020-12-08 | Earlens Corporation | Multifunction system and method for integrated hearing and communication with noise cancellation and feedback management |
US11057714B2 (en) | 2008-09-22 | 2021-07-06 | Earlens Corporation | Devices and methods for hearing |
US11058305B2 (en) | 2015-10-02 | 2021-07-13 | Earlens Corporation | Wearable customized ear canal apparatus |
US11070927B2 (en) | 2015-12-30 | 2021-07-20 | Earlens Corporation | Damping in contact hearing systems |
US11102594B2 (en) | 2016-09-09 | 2021-08-24 | Earlens Corporation | Contact hearing systems, apparatus and methods |
US11153697B2 (en) | 2010-12-20 | 2021-10-19 | Earlens Corporation | Anatomically customized ear canal hearing apparatus |
US11166114B2 (en) | 2016-11-15 | 2021-11-02 | Earlens Corporation | Impression procedure |
US11212626B2 (en) | 2018-04-09 | 2021-12-28 | Earlens Corporation | Dynamic filter |
US11252516B2 (en) | 2014-11-26 | 2022-02-15 | Earlens Corporation | Adjustable venting for hearing instruments |
US11259129B2 (en) | 2014-07-14 | 2022-02-22 | Earlens Corporation | Sliding bias and peak limiting for optical hearing devices |
US11310605B2 (en) | 2008-06-17 | 2022-04-19 | Earlens Corporation | Optical electro-mechanical hearing devices with separate power and signal components |
US11317224B2 (en) | 2014-03-18 | 2022-04-26 | Earlens Corporation | High fidelity and reduced feedback contact hearing apparatus and methods |
US11343617B2 (en) | 2018-07-31 | 2022-05-24 | Earlens Corporation | Modulation in a contact hearing system |
US11350226B2 (en) | 2015-12-30 | 2022-05-31 | Earlens Corporation | Charging protocol for rechargeable hearing systems |
US11516603B2 (en) | 2018-03-07 | 2022-11-29 | Earlens Corporation | Contact hearing device and retention structure materials |
Citations (5)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US5951601A (en) * | 1996-03-25 | 1999-09-14 | Lesinski; S. George | Attaching an implantable hearing aid microactuator |
US20030055311A1 (en) * | 1996-02-15 | 2003-03-20 | Neukermans Armand P. | Biocompatible transducers |
US8526652B2 (en) * | 2008-07-23 | 2013-09-03 | Sonion Nederland Bv | Receiver assembly for an inflatable ear device |
US20130303835A1 (en) * | 2012-05-10 | 2013-11-14 | Otokinetics Inc. | Microactuator |
US20170195809A1 (en) * | 2015-12-30 | 2017-07-06 | Earlens Corporation | Light based hearing systems, apparatus, and methods |
Family Cites Families (1)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US10009698B2 (en) * | 2015-12-16 | 2018-06-26 | Cochlear Limited | Bone conduction device having magnets integrated with housing |
-
2019
- 2019-02-27 WO PCT/US2019/019877 patent/WO2020176086A1/fr active Application Filing
-
2021
- 2021-08-26 US US17/412,850 patent/US11750988B2/en active Active
Patent Citations (5)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US20030055311A1 (en) * | 1996-02-15 | 2003-03-20 | Neukermans Armand P. | Biocompatible transducers |
US5951601A (en) * | 1996-03-25 | 1999-09-14 | Lesinski; S. George | Attaching an implantable hearing aid microactuator |
US8526652B2 (en) * | 2008-07-23 | 2013-09-03 | Sonion Nederland Bv | Receiver assembly for an inflatable ear device |
US20130303835A1 (en) * | 2012-05-10 | 2013-11-14 | Otokinetics Inc. | Microactuator |
US20170195809A1 (en) * | 2015-12-30 | 2017-07-06 | Earlens Corporation | Light based hearing systems, apparatus, and methods |
Cited By (28)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US10863286B2 (en) | 2007-10-12 | 2020-12-08 | Earlens Corporation | Multifunction system and method for integrated hearing and communication with noise cancellation and feedback management |
US11483665B2 (en) | 2007-10-12 | 2022-10-25 | Earlens Corporation | Multifunction system and method for integrated hearing and communication with noise cancellation and feedback management |
US11310605B2 (en) | 2008-06-17 | 2022-04-19 | Earlens Corporation | Optical electro-mechanical hearing devices with separate power and signal components |
US11057714B2 (en) | 2008-09-22 | 2021-07-06 | Earlens Corporation | Devices and methods for hearing |
US11153697B2 (en) | 2010-12-20 | 2021-10-19 | Earlens Corporation | Anatomically customized ear canal hearing apparatus |
US11743663B2 (en) | 2010-12-20 | 2023-08-29 | Earlens Corporation | Anatomically customized ear canal hearing apparatus |
US11317224B2 (en) | 2014-03-18 | 2022-04-26 | Earlens Corporation | High fidelity and reduced feedback contact hearing apparatus and methods |
US11259129B2 (en) | 2014-07-14 | 2022-02-22 | Earlens Corporation | Sliding bias and peak limiting for optical hearing devices |
US11800303B2 (en) | 2014-07-14 | 2023-10-24 | Earlens Corporation | Sliding bias and peak limiting for optical hearing devices |
US11252516B2 (en) | 2014-11-26 | 2022-02-15 | Earlens Corporation | Adjustable venting for hearing instruments |
US11058305B2 (en) | 2015-10-02 | 2021-07-13 | Earlens Corporation | Wearable customized ear canal apparatus |
US11070927B2 (en) | 2015-12-30 | 2021-07-20 | Earlens Corporation | Damping in contact hearing systems |
US11337012B2 (en) | 2015-12-30 | 2022-05-17 | Earlens Corporation | Battery coating for rechargable hearing systems |
US11350226B2 (en) | 2015-12-30 | 2022-05-31 | Earlens Corporation | Charging protocol for rechargeable hearing systems |
US11516602B2 (en) | 2015-12-30 | 2022-11-29 | Earlens Corporation | Damping in contact hearing systems |
US11102594B2 (en) | 2016-09-09 | 2021-08-24 | Earlens Corporation | Contact hearing systems, apparatus and methods |
US11540065B2 (en) | 2016-09-09 | 2022-12-27 | Earlens Corporation | Contact hearing systems, apparatus and methods |
US11671774B2 (en) | 2016-11-15 | 2023-06-06 | Earlens Corporation | Impression procedure |
US11166114B2 (en) | 2016-11-15 | 2021-11-02 | Earlens Corporation | Impression procedure |
US11516603B2 (en) | 2018-03-07 | 2022-11-29 | Earlens Corporation | Contact hearing device and retention structure materials |
US11212626B2 (en) | 2018-04-09 | 2021-12-28 | Earlens Corporation | Dynamic filter |
US11564044B2 (en) | 2018-04-09 | 2023-01-24 | Earlens Corporation | Dynamic filter |
US11606649B2 (en) | 2018-07-31 | 2023-03-14 | Earlens Corporation | Inductive coupling coil structure in a contact hearing system |
US11665487B2 (en) | 2018-07-31 | 2023-05-30 | Earlens Corporation | Quality factor in a contact hearing system |
US11706573B2 (en) | 2018-07-31 | 2023-07-18 | Earlens Corporation | Nearfield inductive coupling in a contact hearing system |
US11711657B2 (en) | 2018-07-31 | 2023-07-25 | Earlens Corporation | Demodulation in a contact hearing system |
US11375321B2 (en) | 2018-07-31 | 2022-06-28 | Earlens Corporation | Eartip venting in a contact hearing system |
US11343617B2 (en) | 2018-07-31 | 2022-05-24 | Earlens Corporation | Modulation in a contact hearing system |
Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
---|---|
US20210392449A1 (en) | 2021-12-16 |
US11750988B2 (en) | 2023-09-05 |
Similar Documents
Publication | Publication Date | Title |
---|---|---|
US11750988B2 (en) | Tympanic lens for hearing device with reduced fluid ingress | |
US11611834B2 (en) | Bone conduction speaker and compound vibration device thereof | |
CN108367317B (zh) | 具有***电连接到柔性印刷电路板的环形超声波阵列的紧凑型超声波装置及其组装方法 | |
US10129660B2 (en) | Implantable middle ear transducer having improved frequency response | |
US9204229B2 (en) | Waterproof acoustic element enclosures and apparatus including the same | |
EP1434464B1 (fr) | Récepteur comprenant un moyen expansible comme par exemple un ballon encapsulé | |
EP2453676B1 (fr) | Dispositif de conduction d'os | |
US6676592B2 (en) | Dual coil floating mass transducers | |
US20090023976A1 (en) | Implantable middle ear hearing device having tubular vibration transducer to drive round window | |
EP0109646A1 (fr) | Dispositif capteur pour la captation de vibrations transmises par les os | |
WO1998041056A1 (fr) | Transducteurs ameliores a masse flottante a doubles bobines | |
US7524278B2 (en) | Hearing aid system and transducer with hermetically sealed housing | |
JPH11506572A (ja) | 浮動質量体変換器を有する移植可能な外部聴覚系 | |
US5574794A (en) | Microphone assembly for adhesive attachment to a vibratory surface | |
US6459800B1 (en) | Modular hearing device receiver suspension | |
US10306385B2 (en) | Passive vibration cancellation system for microphone assembly | |
US11575994B2 (en) | Bone conduction speaker and compound vibration device thereof | |
US20220408204A1 (en) | One piece microactuator membrane | |
WO2023150154A1 (fr) | Microphone piézoélectrique entièrement différentiel et système amplificateur pour implants cochléaires et autres dispositifs auditifs | |
JPH0125014Y2 (fr) | ||
JPH1090094A (ja) | 圧力検出器 | |
JPH074035B2 (ja) | 耐騒音マイク | |
WO2003030584A2 (fr) | Prothese auditive implantable a etancheite amelioree | |
JPS60171896A (ja) | 頬より体内伝導音を直接ピツクアツプするマイクロホン装置 |
Legal Events
Date | Code | Title | Description |
---|---|---|---|
121 | Ep: the epo has been informed by wipo that ep was designated in this application |
Ref document number: 19916711 Country of ref document: EP Kind code of ref document: A1 |
|
NENP | Non-entry into the national phase |
Ref country code: DE |
|
122 | Ep: pct application non-entry in european phase |
Ref document number: 19916711 Country of ref document: EP Kind code of ref document: A1 |